Our executive coaching clients often tell us about their challenges in running a global or cross-border business. We hear comments like, It's hard for me to motivate people in other countries, I'm losing my confidence and motivation, I have no work-life balance, I'm not having enough impact on strategy, I'm constantly exhausted.

How often do we hear or read about successful people who realize, later in their career, that it’s the journey, not the destination that matters most? It rings true, as most cliches do. It is certainly true with me, especially in the second half of my life. I am removing the clutter and focusing on what matters most, with a sense of urgency.

Global roles are complex, unpredictable, and loaded with ambiguity. What do effective global executives do to master their environment and deliver results? Being hard-charging and smart come with the territory. But successful global executives know when to step back and cultivate their curiosity.

Do all successful leaders have charisma? The answer is yes, and it can be nourished — but let’s be clear about what we mean by charisma. We are not talking about over-the-top, larger-than-life sales-types who ooze charm for better or worse.

Many executives head to Asia in the hope that the experience they get working in rapidly growing and changing markets will give them a competitive advantage. That’s not a bad plan: Asia is a region that rewards fast learners.

With the vast amount of job-related advice available online and in print today, the best way to translate it into a thoughtful action plan is to put it in the context of the why of our career. This becomes increasingly important as we move up the ladder and consider our impact and legacy. Finding meaning in our career is a matter of listening to what life wants of us, not just what we want of life.